Memphis Bleek has recently addressed comments made by Beanie Sigel regarding claims that Jay-Z wrote some of his rap lyrics. During a candid appearance on the “Flee Show” on Revolt, the former Roc-A-Fella artist expressed his confusion over Sigel’s statement, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work in the studio.
The controversy resurfaced when Dame Dash, the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, suggested that Jay-Z was writing for Bleek. He remarked, “Oh, is Jay writing for you now? Telling you what to say in these interviews?” This prompted Sigel to echo similar sentiments during his own interviews. In response, Bleek clarified that during their time together at Baseline Studios, he and Jay-Z had a collaborative dynamic where they would often exchange ideas and help each other refine their verses.
“Bro, we was in Baseline all together. If he wrote me a verse, you never saw it, right? Like he teleported the verse to me,” Bleek said, shedding light on the camaraderie that existed among the artists. He asserted that the notion of Jay-Z ghostwriting for him undermines his credibility as a rapper. “When you throw it out there like that, it puts it in the fans’ brains that you don’t have your own skill set. That’s the worst thing you can say about a rapper,” he added.
Bleek also expressed his desire to move past any perceived beef with Sigel, stating, “I’m past that rap drama, rap beef, especially with someone I call my bro.” He noted that while he hasn’t spoken to Sigel recently, he hopes they can resolve their differences. Bleek emphasized that their previous collaborations should take precedence over any conflict.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of songwriting within the hip-hop community. Bleek acknowledged the common practice of artists helping each other with their lyrics, emphasizing that this should not be misconstrued as ghostwriting. He compared the situation to instances where industry legends, like Dr. Dre, have been rumored to influence other artists’ verses.
“Hey man, you got something I can say right there? That ain’t nothing,” he said, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is a normal part of the creative process in music. However, he cautioned against labeling such collaborations as ghostwriting, which could diminish an artist’s reputation.
As the conversation progressed, Bleek also addressed the tension that has surfaced among former Roc-A-Fella members, linking it to the management changes within the label. He pointed out that the dynamics shifted when new individuals entered the scene, suggesting that outside influences may have contributed to the division among artists.
In conclusion, Memphis Bleek’s remarks serve to clarify his position amidst swirling rumors about Jay-Z’s influence on his lyrics. His commitment to authenticity in his artistry and desire to maintain friendships within the industry highlight the complexities of collaboration in hip-hop. As the conversation continues, fans remain eager to witness how these relationships evolve.